Jomolhari Trek

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Option in Cities & Camping During Trek
Grade:	Moderate
Max Altitude:	4,950 m/16,240 ft
Meals:	As Mentioned in the itnerary
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Group Size:	2 to 15 People
Duration:	15 Nights/16 Days

Highlights

Enjoy 9 Days Fully Organized Camping Jhomolhari Trek in Bhutanese Mountains and its wilderness
Visit Paro, Thimphu and Hike to the Tiger Nest (Taktsang Monastery) in Bhutan
Get the best view of Jomolhari (7,314 m), Jichu Drake (6,794) and Tshrim Khang (6,789 m)
High Himalayan Passes of Nye La Pass (4,870 m) and Yale La Pass (4,950 m)
Enjoy Bhutanese Authentic Foods, Culture, Visit Villages and markets in Bhutan
Visit World Renowned Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and other World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to Living Goddess, Kumari and visit Sacred Hindu and Buddhist Temples in Kathmandu
Scenic Kathmandu/Paro and witness Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Gaurishankar and Bhutanese Mountains

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath and Kathmandu Durbar Square

Day 03: Fly to Paro (2,200 m/7,218 ft)-50 Minutes and Sightseeing of Paro

Day 04: Hike to Tiger's Nest Taktsang Monastery (3,048 m/10,000 ft)-5/6 Hours

Day 05: Drive to Drukyel Dzong (2,580 m/8,465 ft) , Shana (2,860 m/9,383 ft) and trek to Thongo Zampa(3,250 m/10,663 ft)-11 km/4 Hours

Day 06: Trek to Soi Thangthangkha (3,600 m/11,811 ft)-10 km/ 4 Hours

Day 07: Trek to Jangothang or Jomolahri Base Camp (4,100m/13,451 ft) - 12km/5 Hours)

Day 08: Acclimatization Day at Jangothang

Day 09: Cross Nye La Pass (4,870 m/15,978 ft) to Lingshi Village (4,025 m/13,262 ft)-18 km/8 Hours

Day 10: Cross Yale La Pass (4,950 m/16,240 ft) and trek to Shodu (3, 750m/12,303 ft) -7/8 Hours

Day 11: Trek to Barshong Dzong( 3,500 m/11,483 ft)-14 km/6 Hours

Day 12: Trek to Dolam Kencho (3,290 m/10,794 ft)-15 km/6 Hours

Day 13: Trek to Dodena (7km/3 hours) and drive to Thimphu (2,334 m/7,657 ft)-1 Hour

Day 14: Thimphu Sightseeing and Drive to Paro (1 Hour)

Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Jomolhari Trek is one of the best off the beaten treks in Bhutan to experience the high altitude pass, Bhutan’s countryside and mountain vistas in short period of time. Jomolhari peak is the sacred peak and is ‘Mountain of Goddess’. During our trek, we pass through scattered hamlets and farmlands, into dense forest and alpine pastures where local people graze yaks. We see many flowers, birds, wild animals and blue sheep and witness the Himalayan streams with trout fish. We see the mountain vistas of Mt. Jomolhari (7,314 m), Jichu Drake (6,794) and Tshrim Khang(6,789 m) along with other peaks.

Our Jomolhari trek starts with scenic flight to Paro. In Paro, we do sightseeing of famous fortress and temples. We also do day excursion to famous Taktsang Monastery. Then we commence our trek from Shana just beyond Drukyel Dzong and continue trails to Jomolhari Base Camp, Jangothang. In Jaogothang, we spend extra night for proper acclimatization and do day trip to view point or to Sopu Lake before passing the Nye La Pass at 4,870 m. We cross the highest point of the trek, Yale La Pass at 4,950 m descend to trek to Shodu. From Yale La Pass, we witness famous peaks of Bhutan, Mt. Jomolhari (7,314 m), Jichu Drake (6,794) and Tshrim Khang(6,789 m) along with other peaks. We finally end our trek at Dodena and drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

The best season for Jomolhari Trek is Autumn and Spring. During the trek, we stay at Tented Camp with all the arrangements and with highly experienced kitchen team.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, we will receive you and take to the hotel. In the evening, we will host Nepalese dinner with cultural program to make you introduced with Nepalese Culture and food habits.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath and Kathmandu Durbar Square

After breakfast, we will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Then we end our day with visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got it name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippy era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Fly to Paro (2,200 m/7,218 ft)-50 Minutes and Sightseeing of Paro

After breakfast, we fly to Paro. From the left seat, you can see mountain range including Mt. Everest (8848 m, highest peak in earth) and the spectacular view of Bhutan’s snow capped peaks as you approach Paro. Upon arrival in Paro, we will assist you and drive to hotel. Then we drive back to Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 17th Century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gonpo. After lunch, we visit the National Museum of Bhutan, (Ta Dzong) which contains works of art, handicrafts, costumes, armor and rare stamps. Then we hike down to Paro (Rimpung) Dzong. After Paro Dzong,we will walk through a traditional covered bridge across the river to board the vehicle. In the evening, we brief you on trek, trails, our camping arrangements etc.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Hike to Tiger's Nest Taktsang Monastery (3,048 m/10,000 ft)-5/6 Hours

After breakfast, we drive to the base of Tiger’s Nest and hike to the Monastery which takes around 2 hours to reach the Cafeteria which gives the great view of Taktsang Monastery. Further 30 minutes hike takes us to magnificent Taktsang where we will be greeted by the in-house monks. This is the most important Monastery in Bhutan where Guru Rinpoche was flying on a Flaming Tigress from Singye Dzong in Eastern Bhutan and meditated for three months. He flourished Buddhism in Paro from 8th Century. After Lunch, we walk down to the car and drive to hotel.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Drive to Drukyel Dzong (2,580 m/8,465 ft) , Shana (2,860 m/9,383 ft) and trek to Thongo Zampa(3,250 m/10,663 ft)-11 km/4 Hours

After early breakfast, we drive to Drukyel Dzong and to Shana and commence our trek. Drukyel Dzong was originally built as a fortress in 1647 to guard against Tibetans invading the Paro Valley, although it was destroyed by fire in 1951. We see Chomolhari Mountain (7,314m) for the first time at the head of the valley. We visit Drukyel Dzong while our team members organize their loads. Then we start our trek on wide and flat trail through farm country made up of fields of rice, wheat, barley, mustard, potato, and radish as well as herds of cows. We pass though small villages with traditional Bhutanese houses and a military post where our permits are checked for the first time.

Accomodation: Overnight at Camp Thongo Zampa.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Trek to Soi Thangthangkha (3,600 m/11,811 ft)-10 km/ 4 Hours

We begin our trek into Jigme Dorje National Park which is the biggest National Park of Bhutan with 4,350 sq km. This National Park has been established to protect the flora and fauna of the region which hosts from low alpine forest to high alpine forests with Oaks, Maple, Birch in the lower region and Rhododendron and Pine trees in the higher region.

Accomodation: Overnight at Camp in Soi Thangthangkha.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Trek to Jangothang or Jomolahri Base Camp (4,100m/13,451 ft) - 12km/5 Hours)

Today we trek to Jangothang which the Base Camp of Jomolhari Mountain leaving the low alpine area to alpine settings. Jichu Drake stands just on the right. This area is famous yak grazing place for the people of Paro Valley who live here on woven yak wool tents during the summer time. We also witness Blue Sheep in the higher rocky area.

Accomodation: Overnight at Camp in Jangothang or Jomolahri Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Acclimatization Day at Jangothang

Today, we spend extra night at Jangothang for proper acclimatization. We may consider visiting view point beyond base camp which gives us fantastic view of Jomolhari Mountain, Jichu Drake and glacier. Alternatively, we can also visit Sopu Lake nearby Nye La Pass.

Accomodation: Overnight at Camp in Jangothang or Jomolahri Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Cross Nye La Pass (4,870 m/15,978 ft) to Lingshi Village (4,025 m/13,262 ft)-18 km/8 Hours

Today we will cross Nye La pass and start our trek early morning. We start our journey on grassland slopes and the final climb is steeper just below the pass with inspiring view of Jichu Drake. After spending few times at pass, we make steep descend through Rhododendron forest to Lingshi. We visit Lingshi Dzong which was built to protect Lingshi village and other villages from periodic attacks from Tibet.

Accomodation: Overnight at Camp in Lingshi.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Cross Yale La Pass (4,950 m/16,240 ft) and trek to Shodu (3, 750m/12,303 ft) -7/8 Hours

Today is the most challenging day of our trek as we are crossing the highest point of our trek, Yale La Pass at 4,950 m. Our trail goes on the opposite side of the Dzong and ascends gradually into the valley before we make steep climb to Yale La Pass. From the pass, we will be blessed by the panoramic views of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314m), Jichu Drake (6,794m) and Tshrim Gang (6,779 m). After spending few times at the pass, we make a long descend to Shodu which is our camp for overnight.

Accomodation: Overnight at Camp in Shodu.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Trek to Barshong Dzong( 3,500 m/11,483 ft)-14 km/6 Hours

Today our trail goes through the forest of Rhododendron, Juniper and Mixed Alpine following Thimphu Chhu River. We will have magnificent views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls along the trail before we descend a steep stone staircase to the river. From the river, we ascend gradually to the ruins of Barshong Dzong.

Accomodation: Overnight at Camp in Barshong Dzong.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Trek to Dolam Kencho (3,290 m/10,794 ft)-15 km/6 Hours

Today we begin our trek on descending trail through forest of Rhododendron, Birch and Confiers. Then we descend steep to the Thimphu River and continue along the left bank. We climb to a ridge and descend into the gullies where steams mixed at the river. We continue climbing up around a cliff face just above Thimphu River and arrive at pastureland which is our camp place.

Accomodation: Overnight at Camp in Dolam Kencho.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Trek to Dodena (7km/3 hours) and drive to Thimphu (2,334 m/7,657 ft)-1 Hour

Today is our last of day of the trek. We walk on thick Bamboo and Pine forest with several ups and downs. We end our trek at Dodena and drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan. In the evening, we visit Tashichho Dzong which is a fortress of this glorious region. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King, and the Central Monk Body.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Thimphu Sightseeing and Drive to Paro (1 Hour)

In the morning, we visit Giant Statue of Lord Buddha and also visit National Memorial Chortens before we drive to Paro. On the way to Paro, we stop at Old bride and visit Tachogang Temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo in the 15th century, who built numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan. In Paro, whole day is free for rest.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for flight back to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, whole day is free until you have any plan. In the late afternoon, you may visit Thamel. In the evening, we will host grand dinner to celebrate your success of Jomolhari Trek.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will drop you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with office representative.
3 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
8 Nights/9 Days Fully Organized Jhomolhari Camping Trek with Sleeping Tent, Dining Tent, Toilet Tent, Kitchen Staffs and Experienced Trek Crews.
3 Nights in Paro and 1 Night in Thimphu on Standard Hotels with all meals.
Bhutan Visa Fees, all paperwork for Bhutan tour and trek, Bhutan Travel permit.
Kathmandu/Paro/Kathmandu Airfare.
All drives, sightseeing and transfer in Kathmandu and Bhutan as per the program.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
Kathmandu sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
All sightseeing in Bhutan with English Speaking Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
English Speaking Tour Escort throughout the tour.
Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
24/7 hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at airport (USD 30/- for 15 Days).
Meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu except welcome and farewell dinners.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Other than in our include section.